More than two months after surviving a devastating shark attack at Sydney’s Coogee Beach, Australian mother Leah Stewart has spoken publicly for the first time about her recovery — describing the ordeal as a “second chance at life.”
Stewart, 34, was swimming between the flags at Coogee Beach on June 13 when she was attacked by a suspected white shark. She suffered severe injuries to her arms and legs and was rushed to hospital in critical condition.
Her family later confirmed that she underwent multiple surgeries, including the amputation of one arm. She also spent time in intensive care and was placed in an induced coma during the early stages of her recovery.
Now, more than two months after the attack, Stewart says her recovery has been remarkable — although she still has a long road ahead.
“I feel like I’ve been given a second chance at life, and I’m not going to waste it.”
Her message, published through her fundraising page, was accompanied by an emotional thank-you to the thousands of people who supported her and her family during the crisis.
From a Near-Fatal Attack to a Fight for Independence
Stewart’s ordeal began during what should have been an ordinary morning swim.
The attack left her with life-threatening injuries, requiring a series of operations. Her family previously described the injuries as severe, while reports confirmed that one of her arms had to be amputated.
In the days following the attack, Stewart remained in critical care.
She was eventually briefly brought out of her induced coma. During that moment, she was able to speak to her loved ones, telling her mother and partner that she loved them.
Days later, her family said Stewart had been reunited with her young daughter, August, and was no longer in critical condition. Her brother also said she remembered the attack in detail.
‘I Can Finally See Some Light’
Stewart’s latest update offers a markedly different picture from the grim hospital updates released in June.
She said she has made enough progress to regain some independence and that she can now begin to see a path forward.
The recovery, however, remains ongoing.
Stewart credited the extraordinary support surrounding her family for helping her through what she described as an incredibly difficult period.
SBS News reported that she thanked the community for helping her focus on getting better rather than becoming bitter about what happened.
More than A$500,000 was raised through her fundraiser, reflecting the scale of public support for the Sydney mother and teacher. ABC News reported that the fundraising campaign had surpassed $500,000 by the time of her latest update.
A Rescue That Helped Save Her Life
Stewart’s survival was also aided by the rapid response immediately after the attack.
Off-duty volunteer lifeguard and paddleboarder Charlie Verco was nearby when he heard cries for help. He paddled toward Stewart and helped get her back toward shore.
Once she reached the beach, surf lifesavers and members of the public helped provide emergency assistance, including applying tourniquets and performing CPR.
Verco later went on to win the Molokai-to-Oahu paddleboard world championship in Hawaii, setting a record time — weeks after helping Stewart during the Coogee attack.
The Attack Shocked Sydney
The June attack triggered renewed concern about shark activity along Sydney’s coastline, particularly because Stewart had been swimming between the flags and close to shore.
The incident also sparked debate over beach safety, shark monitoring and the use of drones to detect sharks near popular swimming areas. Subsequent shark sightings in Sydney waters added to public concern, while authorities continued to emphasize precautions such as swimming at patrolled beaches.
For Stewart, however, the focus now appears to be less on the shark and more on rebuilding her life.
Her latest message is one of gratitude and determination.
After surviving an attack that could have ended her life, she says she intends to make the most of the opportunity she has been given.
For Leah Stewart, surviving was only the beginning. Now comes the fight to rebuild — and she says she is determined not to waste her second chance.
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